Skilled Guidance For Custody Matters
Custody and visitation rights are often one of the most contested aspects of a divorce. Skilled and experienced legal guidance is necessary to both effectively and efficiently traverse this potentially divisive area of family law. The Louisville, Kentucky, firm of the Law Office of Nellie Draus Stallings represents the best interests of clients and their children and has done so for decades. You can trust attorney Stallings to advocate in your best interests.
What Is Child Custody?
Child custody covers two different types of parental rights:
- Physical custody: This concerns who a child will live with and who is responsible for their day-to-day care
- Legal custody: This regards those who have decision-making power for a child in important matters such as health care, education, and religion
Attorney Stallings is here to help you pursue custody solutions that meet your child’s unique needs.
Joint Vs. Sole Custody
There are two main options for what happens with custody rights after a couple divorces or separates:
- Joint custody: Both parents share custody
- Sole custody: Just one parent has custody
Parents are allowed to reach an agreement on their own (subject to court approval) detailing the parties’ arrangement and what it will specifically look like in their unique case. If parents cannot come to an agreement on this, a judge makes a decision on custody. Attorney Stallings can help you explore your options for getting an effective, well-tailored custody arrangement.
Understanding The Court System
Judges consider many different factors before they come to a decision about child custody in a divorce. Factors include the wishes of the child’s parent or parents, and any de facto custodian, as to the child’s custody; the wishes of the child; the mental and physical health of all individuals involved; the interaction of the child with his or her parent or parents, the child’s siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child; the child’s adjustment and continuing proximity to the child’s home, school, and community; and many other considerations. Attorney Stallings knows how to build your strongest case before going in front of a judge.
What Is Visitation?
Visitation is an issue that specifically arises in relation to sole custody arrangements. When one parent has sole custody, this does not mean they are the only one who gets to be with the child. Rather, the other parent often receives the right to see the child at certain times. These rights are known as visitation.
Parents deserve to spend time with their children in at least some capacity. Attorney Stallings can explain your visitation options and help you secure visitation rights with your children.
What If A Parent Is Struggling With Substance Abuse?
Parental substance abuse can have a big impact on cases involving custody or visitation. Whether you are worried that your former partner has substance abuse issues or you are struggling with such issues yourself, it can be vital to have caring, skilled legal guidance on your options. Attorney Stallings stands ready to help you through this delicate situation.
Get More Information
Contact the Law Office of Nellie Draus Stallings in Louisville to schedule your initial consultation today. Call 502-754-0757 or email the firm here.